LEGGETT — North Edgecombe's formula for winning football games is much simpler than many might believe it to be.

First, players are needed.

Check.

The Warriors have more than 50 players in the program for the first time in recent memory.

"Twenty-three freshmen on the team," Warriors coach Danny Ward said. "We didn't even have 23 (players) on the team at one time. "

Second on the list is a consistent coaching staff.

Check.

North Edgecombe's coaching staff is intact from the previous season for the first time since Ward took over in 2003.

The last ingredient is belief, of which the Warriors have plenty. North Edgecombe is fresh off its best record in four seasons. The Warriors finished 6-7 last year – a record that Ward said could have been even better – and advanced to the second round of the NCHSAA 1-A state playoffs, losing to Plymouth, the eventual state champion.

Now, the Warriors aren't so worried about winning, but rather in passing down that tradition from class to class.

The Warriors' starting quarterback last season, Desmon Armwood, did so for Jerrell Harvey. Now, Harvey, who started two games last season, is in the lead role. He'll have depth at the running back position to go along with his strong arm.

The large contingent of underclassmen is a good thing for the future, but those youngsters will have to play well when given the chance.

Some upperclassmen have to do the same.

Ward said roughly half of the squad's 16 seniors are newcomers to the program.

"We have to mature a lot," Harvey said. "We have a lot of young boys on this team. Hopefully, we'll bounce back from last year and move on."

Jessie H. Nunery can be reached at 407-9951 or jhnunery@coxnc.com